Which Functional Mushroom Should You Use For What? Your Adaptogenic Guide To Fungi

Functional mushrooms may have gone mainstream, but that doesn't make them any less intimidating. If anything, the recent fungi frenzy has made working with these adaptogens even more confusing. Where do we start? Which mushroom is for what? How do I know my 'shrooms are high quality? You have questions; this guide has answers.

But research has demonstrated that beta glucans and other beneficial compounds are highest in the mushroom's fruiting body, aka everything aboveground. That's why we love a brand that uses organic, sustainably sourced fruiting bodies, like Gaia Herbs.

If you've only ever thought of mushrooms in the context of your dinner plate, welcome to the wild world of functional mushrooms. Whether you're looking to support your brainpower, immunity, energy levels, metabolism, or all the above—there's a mushroom for that.* The question is, which one's right for you?

You can eat lion's mane, but Gaia Herbs' Lion's Mane Mushroom capsules are a lot easier. Through a lengthy extraction process, they're made from 100% mushroom extract. Because Gaia Herbs only harvests fruiting bodies (where the benefits are concentrated), there are no fillers, starches, grains, or mycelium in these capsules—just the good stuff.

Gaia Herbs sources its cordyceps organically and sustainably. In their Everyday Adaptogen®, you're getting organic cordyceps extract (no fillers). But this powder blend also offers additional powerful adaptogenic herbs—maca, ashwagandha, and rhodiola—which further support healthy stress and energy levels.*

But as powerful as this mushroom is, some people don't care for the taste. Thankfully, Gaia Herbs' Turkey Tail Mushroom capsules make it far more accessible to regularly consume this liver- and immune-supporting adaptogen.* Plus, Gaia Herbs grows their turkey tail in a "wild-simulated" natural environment—meaning that the mushrooms can be monitored for quality while growing as they would in the wild.

Different from other mushrooms, chaga's benefits are concentrated in the mycelial mass rather than the fruiting body. Chaga is known for having high antioxidant levels4, supporting both immune health and overall well-being.* Consistent across their entire suite of mushrooms, Gaia Herbs sources their chaga responsibly. Wildcrafted on organically managed land from Siberian birch, it doesn't get closer to nature than that.

Maitake mushrooms were once used as currency in Japan, if that says anything about their value. This edible mushroom is known for promoting cellular health and immune support—particularly when combined with other mushrooms.* That's why you'll find both organic maitake and chaga in Gaia Herbs Immune Shine supplement. Formulated with other immune-supporting players—like elderberry and ginger—this powder is a delicious ritual for feeling your best.*

Here's a glimpse at what sustainable sourcing really looks like. Gaia Herbs harvests their mushroom-fruiting bodies at their peak potency. These mushrooms are then dried, powdered, and steeped in hot water for hours to create a 100% organic mushroom extract. From there, each batch goes through stringent testing for integrity, purity, and potency. Because of this process, Gaia Herbs mushrooms are pure, without fillers and unnecessary ingredients. 

Mushrooms are living proof that nature is a powerful agent for our health. Through functional mushrooms, we can connect to nature and our well-being. And in a modern world, where stress is a norm, we might even call these adaptogens invaluable. That's why we want our fungi as close to the source as possible. Whether you're curious about cordyceps for energy, lion's mane for brain health, or the synergy of maitake and chaga for immune health—your new mushroom ritual starts here.*